IHS Markit via For Construction ProsConstruction costs rose for the second straight month, according to IHS Markit and the Procurement Executives Group. The headline current IHS PEG Engineering and Construction Cost Index registered 53.3, up from 50.7 in November, continuing the recovery after a 22-month slump in prices. Strength was evident in both labor and material markets.READ MORE

MotherboardThe future of solar energy in the U.S. has largely been a vision of panels on every roof and silver fields of solar farms. But what about other surfaces, like windows?
Window pane solar panels don't have a large presence in the solar energy market. But with massive metropolises boasting skyscrapers with thousands of windows each — let alone the half-dozen windows in each home — why hasn't this option taken hold?READ MORE

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Jamsill Guard® Sill Pan Flashing Jamsill Guard® is an adjustable sill pan flashing designed to prevent water damage from window and door leaks. Made from high impact ABS plastic, Jamsill Guard® will not deteriorate or corrode over time. Our multi-piece telescoping design allows on-site adjustability to fit all rough openings and features sloped weep areas to help evacuate moisture to the exterior of the structure. Jamsill Guard® is bonded together on site using PVC cement, creating a one-piece sill pan flashing beneath your door or window. Click here to view our video.

Construction DiveIf 2016 saw the pace of the homebuilding industry's protracted recovery pick up slightly, 2017 could see a more concerted spring forward. That's due to rising (but still low) mortgage rates, continual gains in new construction activity and a bevy of first-time buyers waiting for the price (and product) to be right for their shot at homeownership.READ MORE

By D. Albert Brannen Donald Trump will soon be our 45th president. A lot of uncertainty is swirling around what changes his administration may bring in the world of labor and employment law. As discussed last month, we expect to see changes in a wide range of areas, including judicial appointments, immigration, wages and hours, labor relations and more. In light of this, our advice is to get back to the basics. This article outlines some of the changes to expect and a basic action plan for employers in the first half of 2017.
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HousingWireThe total value of all the housing stock in the United States has never been worth more than it is right now, according to a new report from Zillow.
The report says the total value of U.S. housing stock grew to a total of $29.6 trillion in 2016, marking an all-time high.
Zillow's report shows that housing stock showed an increase of $1.6 trillion from 2015, a 5.7 percent increase in value to reach that record level.READ MORE

FactCheck.orgScott Pruitt, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has made some questionable claims related to global warming, fracking and the Clean Power Plan.
A self-described "leading advocate against the EPA's activist agenda," Pruitt, Oklahoma's attorney general since 2011, has repeatedly sued the agency and other government entities over environmental rules and regulations, at times in direct cooperation with fossil fuel companies.READ MORE

Business.comConsumers are becoming more sophisticated, more knowledgeable and more informed. They're looking for more than just what you choose to show them on your website — they want real experiences. For this reason, review sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, Angie’s List and more are becoming a necessary tool for your business. Even Facebook business pages now have a review tool to maximize this opportunity.
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